Probationary Periods – The First-Impression That Matters Most

You might think that the most important first-impression you will ever make on any given employer is that which is attributed to the interview process. After all, after consulting with the best recruitment agency Billericay can offer, this is technically the very first time they get a real insight into who you are and indeed it will play a role in determining whether or not you get the job in the first place.

However, there is in fact a considerably more important first-impression than this – at least when it comes to mapping out your long-term aspirations and potential successes. It’s one thing to convey an ideal first impression during the few hours duration of the average recruitment process – it is something else entirely to have them fall in love with you during your probationary period.

There’s really no disputing the fact that the first three to six months can be and often are the most stressful and crucially important months in any given career. These are the months during which you will stand out as a genuinely superior candidate with the future in your feet or fade into the background as just another grunt all become known as something of a disposable asset. Suffice to say, it’s your own attitude and approach to the job that will determine into which of the brackets you fall – bear in mind the following tips and you’ll be at least heading in the right direction:

In terms of punctuality, absolutely nothing matters more than ensuring you have a 100% flawless record with regard to turning up on time wherever you need to be. It’s the standard staple that’s advised across the board though rarely practiced – try to be anywhere you need to be a good 15 minutes early without fail. Not only will that show your boss and colleagues they can rely on you, but it will also help you to be as relaxed and prepared as you need to be in any given business situation.

One of the single most important things employers are looking for in candidates during their probationary periods is a sense of positivity that underpins everything they do. The reason being that positivity breeds enthusiasm which breeds both ambitiousness and efficiency – not to mention the kind of positive working environment that is worth its weight in gold. To have a positive employee around is something of a godsend to any office and will help you win point with both your boss and colleagues in absolutely no time at all.

Practicing what you preach also matters a great deal during your probationary period – the specifics of which will be determined by what you told them during your interview. You painted a picture of yourself in one light or in other during the recruitment process – now’s the time to bring it to life.

Proactivity is also something that is universally beneficial during a probationary period as regardless of what job you have taken on and in what kind of capacity, employers revel in employee proactivity. So rather than simply being another machine on the production line, get stuck into anything and everything that matters and ensure the rest of the office notices.

It’s also never a bad idea to surprise your new employer with something they weren’t expecting – perhaps along the lines of the review or proposal you came up with in your own time. It will show them your potential, independence and self-sufficiency.

Regardless of how much you want to impress your employers, your probationary period is a fundamentally critical time to ensure you build strong and positive relationships with your fellow employees. After all, you never know just how much influence any of your colleagues may have on those who do the hiring, firing and promoting.

Last but not least, regardless of what it is you are asked to do – even if it to some extent strays beyond the confines of your own job description – now is not the time to ask questions. Instead, now is the time to do to the very best of your ability in order to gain a reputation as the kind of team player who does whatever is needed to benefit the business, rather than somebody who is simply known to complain each time a curve ball is thrown.